The opinions found in Asked and Answered do not reflect the views of the Steelers organization.
Let's get to it:
THEO WILCOX FROM PITTSBURGH, PA: Why don't they use Darrell Washington more often?
ANSWER: In the game in Ireland, Darnell Washington played more offensive snaps (48, or 91 percent) than any of Aaron Rodgers' other eligibles, even DK Metcalf (42 snaps, or 79 percent). I also believe Washington's contribution as a blocker was a real factor in the success of the running game, which is a significant element that the Steelers are going to need if they are to make any kind of run in the playoffs. My opinion is that the Steelers' see Washington as a valuable component of the running game, and I also could imagine seeing his contributions on passing plays being to help keep Rodgers upright. Not all the time, but I'm just not sure that Washington is going to be used primarily as a receiving tight end. In fact, I suspect it's going to be the opposite.
- Download and listen to the Asked & Answered Podcast here: Apple Podcast | Spotify
RICK BURTON FROM MERIDIAN, MS: Born and raised in Duquesne, Pa., I saw many a Steelers game at Forbes Field or Pitt Stadium and enjoyed each one. I still bleed black-and-gold every Sunday. Played the game for 14 years through college. That being said I simply do not see why some Steelers fans cannot just enjoy the positives of our Steelers as they grow as a team as the season progresses. Some fans want November/December football in September (some even preseason). The Steelers have had only 8 coaches in my lifetime (1945 to present) and only 3 the last 56 years. How does that compare to the rest of the NFL?
ANSWER: Three coaches in 56 seasons is by far the fewest of any NFL team during that time, and you're going to have to take my word for it because there was no way I was digging through those weeds. And while 3 coaches in 56 years is a unique stat, when you add in that each of those 3 coaches in 56 years won at least 1 Super Bowl, you've got to give props to the people who identified the candidates and then made the hire.
DAVE HYSLIP FROM PITTSBURGH, PA: With the Steelers game in Dublin being such a roaring success on both sides of the pond, and from the business standpoint, expanding the NFL brand internationally a continued success, it's easy to see where this could be heading in the future. This might be more of a "think about it" than a question, but imagine one of the Steelers regular home games every year being played in Ireland?
ANSWER: Since we're "thinking about it," I don't think the Steelers ever would have an annual International Game, because a team like Jacksonville has an annual International; Game because the Jaguars were having trouble selling tickets to their home games. I can't see the Steelers wanting to take a home game out of Pittsburgh every year, and I don't believe the NFL would be in favor of that either. Just what I 'think."
ROBERT KLACZAK FROM PALMYRA, PA: Kickoffs are consistently landing around the 1-yard line. Why do the kickoff returners not line up a few yards into the end zone and get a running start when they catch the ball? They would get up to full speed more quickly and likely get a longer return.
ANSWER: Theoretically that is correct, but what if the kickoff isn't kicked directly to a returner, and so getting a running start also might involve running on an angle. Those would be harder to catch and secure, and harder to block for because everything could change as the ball is kicked. If it's blocked correctly, and the returner hits the crease that's created, you have a chance at a big return with less risk.
JOHN SUSKO FROM NAPLES, FL: Will the Steelers activate Will Howard and place Skylar Thompson on injured reserve?
ANSWER: Skylar Thompson already is on injured reserve. The Steelers have 2 QBs on their 53-man roster – Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. Logan Woodside is on the practice squad.
SCOTT BEACHAM FROM CHICAGO, IL: I'm wondering what the Steelers can do now that Will Howard is available to come off IR? We can't sign him to the practice squad, and I cannot imagine adding him to the 53-man roster. Can the Steelers just keep him on IR for remainder of the season since he won't play anyway?
ANSWER: I cannot tell you what the Steelers are going to do with Will Howard, except to say I am confident they are not going to expose him to waivers.
GRANT MOORE FROM ZANESVILLE, OH: I am a huge fan of "what if" stories. So, I got a "what if" question for you. What if the Steelers beat the Packers in Super Bowl XLV?
ANSWER: If the Steelers had defeated the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV, they would have seven Lombardi Trophies instead of six.
RICHARD SHARRATT FROM REDCAR, ENGLAND: Does a blocked field goal count as a miss on the kicker's stats?
ANSWER: Yes, it does.
MIKE REIBMAN FROM MERRICK, NY: After his big effort play on Sunday against the Vikings, have you started getting questions about moving Payton Wilson to safety yet?
ANSWER: I think that went away when fans saw how effective and dynamic Ryan Shazier was at the inside linebacker position.
WILLIAM GRAY FROM GALENA, IL: The highs and lows we go through as Steelers fans certainly lend credence to the word fanatic. You often bear the brunt of this through forums like this. As the wise old seer of all things Steelers, can you tell me when I will be able to just watch a game and relax, or is that feat accomplished only with a hefty supply of antacid and Jameson?
ANSWER: Covering Steelers games for various media outlets has been my job for more than half of my life. I don't watch games as a fan, nor do I watch games with fans. The approach, the experience of it being your job is the polar opposite to watching a game among fans or as a fan. I would be willing to bet on the day after the Steelers win a Super Bowl that I will be getting submissions from people complaining about some aspect of their performance, or discounting the win as lucky, or coming at me with "What if they didn't have five takeaways? The defense is awful." So, I guess it's up to you whether can watch a Steelers game and relax. The Jameson is up to you.
